Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from asthma and the uncomfortable breathing symptoms it causes. Because asthma is a chronic disease, it requires a management plan (called an asthma action plan) to keep symptoms under control, prevent flare-ups, and protect your lungs and airways over time.
At Harbor Community Health Centers, our team works closely with every patient to establish personalized, effective asthma action plans with an understanding that those plans will almost certainly need to be adjusted over time. In this post, learn five signs that could mean your asthma action plan needs to be updated to remain effective.
It’s normal for asthma symptoms to vary somewhat over time. However, if your symptoms are steadily getting worse or if you have more flare-ups regularly, it’s time to have your asthma plan reevaluated.
Ignoring flare-ups or worsening symptoms could increase your risks of other respiratory issues, like pneumonia or bronchitis. And of course, worsening symptoms can interfere with your ability to participate in activities where you might be exposed to asthma triggers.
Most asthma action plans involve use of an inhaler, including a rescue inhaler for quick symptom relief. It’s perfectly fine to use your inhaler when needed, it’s essential for your wellness.
But if you find yourself reaching for your inhaler more often than you usually do, that’s an indication that your current medication isn’t working correctly. A plan update ensures that your medication can control your symptoms while potentially reducing your reliance on your inhaler.
Asthma flare-ups typically involve triggers, such as pollen, dust, or pollutants, that “bring on” coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. Any change in your environment—indoors or outdoors—can potentially expose you to new triggers. Regular plan updates help identify those triggers so they can be managed appropriately.
A good asthma action plan helps you participate in regular daily activities without symptom flare-ups or discomfort. If you find yourself running out of breath, suffering coughing fits, or experiencing other symptoms that make it hard to complete your daily tasks, it’s time to update your plan. Your new plan may involve updating your dosing schedule, changing your medication, or finding ways to limit exposures that worsen your symptoms.
Finally, if you find you need to seek medical attention more frequently for asthma-related symptoms, that’s another sign your plan needs to be evaluated. Likewise, suppose you get sick more often with colds, flu, or other respiratory infections. In that case, it’s a good idea to ensure your plan provides adequate protection for your respiratory system.
Asthma action plans aren’t intended to be forever. Regular updates ensure your plan stays on track with your changing needs. To evaluate your asthma action plan or determine if it needs to be updated, call 310-547-0202 to schedule an appointment with the Harbor Community Health Centers team at one of our two locations in San Pedro, California, today.
